Ecosystem extent; ecosystem types; region

Ecosystem extent; ecosystem types; region

Region Periods Cropland (Semi-)natural cropland (km2) Grassland Natural and semi-natural grassland (km2)
The Netherlands 2023* 78 1,658
Groningen (PV) 2023* 8 79
Fryslân (PV) 2023* 1 164
Drenthe (PV) 2023* 10 166
Overijssel (PV) 2023* 7 138
Flevoland (PV) 2023* 6 71
Gelderland (PV) 2023* 10 208
Utrecht (PV) 2023* 3 75
Noord-Holland (PV) 2023* 4 135
Zuid-Holland (PV) 2023* 3 130
Zeeland (PV) 2023* 3 109
Noord-Brabant (PV) 2023* 15 253
Limburg (PV) 2023* 10 129
Noord-Nederland (LD) 2023* 19 409
Oost-Nederland (LD) 2023* 22 418
West-Nederland 2023* 13 449
Zuid-Nederland 2023* 25 382
Source: CBS.
Explanation of symbols

Table explanation


The figures in this table represent the surface area of various ecosystems in the Netherlands, such as forests, agricultural lands, lakes, and parks. Each ecosystem is distinguished by specific biotic and abiotic elements, and their interactions. The table presents the ecosystem extent, with data organized based on the surface area in square kilometers per ecosystem type and per province.

Data available from: 2016

Status of the figures:
The figures are provisional.
To ensure consistent time series, the complete time series is recalculated each year if necessary, so that the latest insights and sources are also incorporated.

Changes as of November 2025:
None, this is a new table. The previous table on this topic was discontinued due to a revision of the methodology. Both the methodology, sources, and the classification of ecosystem types have been adjusted. For more information, please refer to the revised news release in Chapter 3 and the technical explanation in Chapter 4.

When will new figures be available?
New figures are published annually in November 2026.

Description topics

Cropland
This class represents areable land including intensively and extensively managed cropland, and temporary grasslands used for crop rotation.
(Semi-)natural cropland
Includes cropland with natural and semi-natural elements, such as strip cultivation and arable field margins.
Grassland
This class represents permanent grassland, including managed pastures used for agriculture and (semi-)natural grasslands. Temporary grasslands are excluded, which are classified under 'Cropland'.
Natural and semi-natural grassland
Omvat graslanden met een natuurlijke (hoofd)functie.